Rescued Alaskan Runner Loses Feet To Frostbite

Robert Cheseto lost both of his feet due to frostbite. Photo: Anchorage Daily News

He had been going through a personal crisis.

Marki Cheseto lost both of his feet due to frostbite. Photo: Anchorage Daily News

Some sad news out of Alaska: Marko Cheseto, a Kenyan All-American runner from the University of Alaska had to have both of his feet amputated. Earlier this month, the 28-year-old star runner had disappeared for two days. He was believed to have been outside the entire time wearing nothing more than a light jacket, running shoes, and jeans. He wasn’t wearing the prerequisites for Alaska in November: hat, gloves, or boots.

It had snowed more than a foot while Cheseto was out missing.

When Cheseto was eventually found wandering near a hotel, his shoes were frozen to his feet.

“As some may know, I’ve been going through a lot of personal issues,” Cheseto said. “While I am still recovering — both physically and emotionally — I will do my very best to give back to the community that has helped me so much and to my home country, Kenya.”

Shortly after he was found, University of Alaska police said he had been going through a “personal crisis”.

We've updated our policy regarding how we treat and protect data that is collected and used from our websites. This site also uses cookies which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the policy. By using this site you agree to our use of cookies. Please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy anytime for more information and your related choices.